How Did Chhangte's Solo Goal Propel Mumbai Past Inter Kashi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mumbai City advances to the semi-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup.
- Lallianzuala Chhangte's goal was the match-winner.
- The match highlighted defensive strategies from both teams.
- Vikram Partap Singh had a significant opportunity that went astray.
- Shubham Das made crucial saves for Inter Kashi.
Bhubanewsar, April 27 (NationPress) Mumbai City secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Inter Kashi at the Kalinga Stadium.
Following a scoreless first half, Lallianzuala Chhangte emerged as the match-winner with his goal in the 71st minute, highlighting the fine margins that defined the game. Mumbai will next take on the winners of the quarter-final clash between NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC.
The initial half was marked by caution, primarily played in midfield, with neither team managing to send a shot on target. The attacking efforts were led by the familiar faces of Edmund Lalrindika and Nikola Stojanovic, countered by Lallianzuala Chhangte and Jorge Ortiz.
The most promising opportunity of the half fell to Vikram Partap Singh, who was set up perfectly by a long ball from Nathan Rodrigues. However, a heavy touch denied him a clear shot at goal as he was quickly closed down.
In the second half, Mumbai City showed greater urgency to score, while Kashi opted to defend and wait for counter-attacking chances. In the 53rd minute, Niko Karelis attempted an acrobatic shot from inside the six-yard box, but it went wide after an initial header from Mehtab Singh was deflected onto the crossbar by Shubham Das's sharp save.
Das' heroics continued as he made a full-stretch dive to save an accidental volley from one of his defenders, created by another long pass from Ortiz.
The breakthrough for Mumbai came in the 71st minute, thanks to Chhangte. After PN Noufal's low cross was poorly cleared, Karelis got two attempts on goal from close range, both blocked by desperate Kashi defenders. The second rebound fell to Chhangte, who fired a first-time shot at the near post, with the ball ricocheting off the upright and into the net. Mumbai had finally broken the deadlock.